TRENDING PRODUCTS ON AMAZON! These products are selling fast!


Art of Tea Organics


Showing posts with label religion and spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion and spirituality. Show all posts

Monday, August 31, 2026

Do Souls Exists? (My Answer to the Question)

As a member of the Medium.com writing community (view my writer's profile), not only do I enjoy writing content but I also enjoy reading and commenting on the articles of my fellow writers.

Aurum Archon published an article titled "Do Souls Exist?". It is an excellent read and he shares many informational links in his article for further exploration. After reading I wanted to leave a few comments.  On Medium, responses to comments appear on your profile but they are not counted in your list of stories.  I often re-share my comments with readers who visit my blog.  When it comes to the question of the existence of souls, almost everybody has thoughts about this topic.  The comments below are my thoughts.

souls

"Only two things in life are certain: death and taxes." LOL.

Some people say they don't believe in God or a Higher Being. But they believe in science, i.e. something that can be proven. God can not be proven therefore God is not real. To me, that's kind of a humorous way of thinking or analyzing because most scientists supposedly make great that are discoveries that are even named after them.

However, what they discovered was already there. The scientists never explain WHO put it there or how it came to be. The so-called great scientific discoveries are often “accidental”. It makes me wonder if God or the Higher Being has watched from a distance as they diligently searched for answers and explanations and had pity. And God said: “If I don't show them how this or that works, they're never gonna figure it out for themselves.”

That being said, I remember a man who wanted desperately to scientifically prove the existence of the soul. He had a dying man hooked up to a machine that would measure the change in the person's body immediately after their death. He would conclude that any change recorded by the machine “might be” PROOF the soul existed.

As it so happened immediately after the person died the machine did record a change, but it was so small, so tiny, that it was practically “un-measurable”. Nevertheless, the person performing insisted that it “might” have proved the existence of the soul. Of course, there would be others in the scientific circles who disagree with his conclusion, So now other scientists can debate whether the experiment really proved the soul's existence and the debates can carry on back and forth until Jesus comes. LOL.

I very much enjoyed this article and appreciate the links you shared for further reading.

♦♦♦  








on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday, April 16, 2026

The Book is For All People

Believers and non-believers may argue and debate about the facts presented in the Book aka the Bible, but both groups agree that the scriptures are fascinating reading.


digital dead sea scrolls

Believers and non-believers have argued and debated about the facts presented in the Book, aka the Bible, for thousands of years. Is it true or is it false? No consensus has ever been reached. But both groups agree that the scriptures are fascinating reading.

– The storyline is woven over 66 books, from Genesis to Revelation.
– There are descriptions of the lands or nations and their inhabitants with a view of what life was like during biblical times.
– The recording and reporting of significant historical events, though some choose to call them fanciful stories or legends.
– There are wise proverbs, profound parables, beautiful poetry, and song lyrics (nobody really knows what the music sounded like).

Almost every year, many make a New Year’s Resolution that they are going to read the entire Bible. They schedule daily readings and by the end of 365 days (366 during Leap Year), hope to have accomplished what they set out to do. How hard can it be?

* The times have truly changed, haven’t they?

There was once a time when the scriptures were a closely guarded “secret”. The common man was not allowed to view these words, let alone read them and try to comprehend their meaning. Self-appointed “keepers” who considered themselves a sort of “religious elite” decided that they were the only ones who should possess this knowledge, and they were the only ones capable of interpreting and teaching the “hidden meanings”. They refused to allow the Bible to be translated or read by ordinary folk.

Brave men, at great peril to their lives, dared not just to read the Word but to translate it into plain English. William Tyndale (1494–1536) was forced into exile and later burned to death as a heretic. But not before he translated the Bible into English. He was determined. There were others who, like Tyndale, were willing to risk it all.

These days, anybody could actually read the Bible in a year or even less than a year. In fact, people don’t even have to read anymore! Just listen. The Bible is available on cassette tapes, CD, DVD, audio files via the Internet, etc. FREE! Translations are in English and hundreds of other languages. Indeed, the Israel Museum partnered with Google and undertook the Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Project to make these ancient manuscripts available for up-close and personal examination by everyday people!

ADDITIONAL LINKS OF INTEREST:
“Digital Dead Sea Scrolls.” The Digital Dead Sea Scrolls, http://dss.collections.imj.org.il/. (Image credit.)

“THE DARING MISSION OF WILLIAM TYNDALE – Steven J. Lawson (2015).” Veritas et Lux, 9 Feb. 2015, https://davidsteele.blog/2015/02/09/the-daring-mission-of-william-tyndale-steven-j-lawson-2015/.

The Story of the Bible: The Fascinating History of Its Writing, Translation & Effect on Civilization (Larry Stone, Thomas Nelson Pub., 201, 94 pages) (archived copy)
on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Christianity: Symbolism of the Palm Tree in Scripture

The palm tree carries deep symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, and many of its themes point beautifully to Jesus Christ and the life He gives.

palm trees

1. Righteousness and Flourishing

Key verse: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.” — Psalm 92:12

The palm stands tall, straight, and evergreen, symbolizing enduring righteousness. Christ, the perfectly righteous One, fulfills this image completely. Believers flourish in Him just as a palm thrives even in harsh conditions.

Themes: steadfastness, purity, spiritual vitality.

2. Victory and Triumph

In the ancient world, palms symbolized victory and were awarded to champions.

Connection to Christ: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches (John 12:13), proclaiming Him as the victorious King.

Themes: kingship, triumph, messianic identity.

3. Peace and Welcome

Palm branches were used in celebrations and joyful processions. When the people laid palms before Jesus, they offered Him honor, peace, and a warm welcome.

Themes: hospitality, joy, celebration of the Messiah.

4. Fruitfulness in Harsh Conditions

The date palm thrives in desert climates by drawing water from deep underground. This makes it a symbol of life in barren places—a fitting picture of Christ bringing life where there is spiritual dryness.

Themes: provision, sustenance, life-giving presence.

5. Uprightness and Integrity

The palm grows straight upward, unlike many trees that twist or bend. This became a symbol of moral uprightness, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the One without sin.

Themes: holiness, moral clarity, divine perfection.

6. Resurrection and Eternal Life

Because palms remain green year-round and can live for centuries, they became symbols of immortality. Early Christians used palm imagery on tombs to proclaim the resurrection hope found in Christ.

Themes: eternal life, resurrection, hope beyond death.

7. Heavenly Worship

In Revelation, the redeemed stand before the throne with palm branches (Revelation 7:9). This echoes Jesus’ triumphal entry—now with His victory fully realized.

Themes: worship, final victory, redeemed humanity.

hosanna


Sources:

  • Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
  • Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
  • Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • My original content republished from: Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner, “Trees Deserve Respect.” Wizzley.Com, 25 Jul. 2013.

PALM TREES

Palmae Family

The Arabs say that "The palm tree has 360 uses".  Sorry.  I don't have the list to share with you.  But I will share what I know. 

In ancient times and perhaps even today, the branch from a palm tree symbolized peace and victory, success, or celebration. Palm trees are very easy to recognize.  They are tall, slender, with no branches.  Instead of branches, on top of the trunk is a crown of spreading plumes. 

Most people associate palms swaying in the breeze with a tropical environment like Florida or The Bahamas.

While others think of the date palm tree that grows in the Middle East.  Its fruit is part of the daily diet of millions of people.  The date can be eaten fresh or dried; incorporated as a key ingredient in a myriad of recipes; and the tree sap can be made into syrup or wine.  Jericho, which is in the Jordan Valley, has a tropical climate, and is known for its lush palm groves.  Once it has reached maturity, this tree can yield fruit for 100 years. 

Wherever they grow, if you see a palm tree, breeze or no breeze, it is hard not to be captivated by its striking beauty.

Learn more:  How to Identify Species of Palm Trees


Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌴


on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: TITUS

Titus was a Grecian convert. Luke does not mention him by name in the Book of Acts, but Paul confirms him as a “partner and fellow helper”. Titus accompanied Paul and Barnabas on a trip to Jerusalem. Unable to go for himself, Paul sent Titus to work with the congregation in Corinth, and then bring back news about their well-being and spiritual health. He brought back a good report and refreshed the weary Apostle's spirit. Several years later, Paul would leave Titus behind in Crete to build up the Church there.

Image credit: Magic Studio AI art Generator


The relationship between Paul and Titus was much like to his association with Timothy. The two letters to Timothy and the letter to Titus have been grouped together and referred to as Pastoral Epistles. Both men were directed to ordain elders to oversee the flock of God, warned about false teachers, told to maintain good works, the purity of the Church, and especially ensure their own personal morality and blameless reputation as godly men.

The last reference to this young preacher is Paul's mention of him in a letter to Timothy (whom he had left in Ephesus) that Titus was headed to Dalmatia (conquered by the Romans A.D. 12; today a region of Croatia, Yugoslavia).



Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages






on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: TIMOTHY (or TIMOTHEUS)

Timothy was called Paul's son in the gospel.  Timothy's mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) were devout Jews who taught him the Jewish scriptures from a child. All three of them were converted to Christianity. This young man traveled with Paul to places where he was sent by Paul – such as Berea, Macedonia, Thessalonica, Corinth, and Philippi – to evangelize, preach, teach, comfort, and assure the believers to press on and not falter. Paul was retracing his steps and revisiting Lystra in Lycaonia when he and Timothy crossed paths. The first time he was in this small city was with Barnabas. On this second trip, Timothy joined Paul's company.

Image credit: Magic Studio AI art Generator


Paul commended his young companion as follows (paraphrased): “We have the same mind. He does not seek his own. He has served with me in the gospel and has the same boldness to as I do to defend the faith. His love and care for all the churches is genuine.”

While in prison in Rome, awaiting execution, the Apostle wrote to Timothy instructing him to persevere and continue the Lord's work without him.




Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages





on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: LUKE (or LUCAS)

The name Lucas means “light-giving”. Very appropriate since he authored a two-part work – the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles – both written to shed light on the life of Christ and the establishment of His Church.


Image credit: AI art Generated – DeviantArt

His first appearance, historically, is in Troas. Details about his conversion are unknown. Details regarding his faithfulness are made plain in the New Testament scriptures. Luke traveled with the Apostle during his second (from Troas to Philippi), third (from Philippi to Jerusalem), and final (from Jerusalem to Rome) missionary journeys. In addition, during one of Paul's imprisonments, Luke dutifully remained close by. Luke was an educated man; writer, historian, and physician by profession. Paul speaks of him with great affection as the “beloved physician”.

Paul the Apostle knew his enemies. But he kept his friends closer.
During his final hours, Luke was the only one with him.  (2 Timothy 4:11)


Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages



on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Paul the Apostle Knew His Friends: BARNABAS

Barnabas was Paul's champion. While others may have doubted the sincerity of the Apostle's conversion, Barnabas sought Paul out. When he found him in Tarsus, he encouraged him to become a fellow laborer and convinced others that he could be an invaluable help with the missionary efforts.

Image credit: AI Generated - DeviantArt


 “The disciples were called Christians* first in Antioch.” (Acts 11: 26) Barnabas and Paul traveled together to Antioch in Syria to strengthen the community of believers already there. The zealous teamwork of these two men proved very successful. Though the Church began, A.D. 33, in Jerusalem, from Antioch the “good news” would spread to all the major cities in the Roman Empire, including Rome.

Before becoming a Christian, Barnabas was a Jew; a Levite from the island of Cyprus, whose name was Joseph (Joses). He was called “son of consolation (or encouragement)” by the disciples because he had a gift for motivating those who were discouraged to remain focused, steadfast, and faithful. So committed was he that he sold his property and donated the proceeds to help the poor and needy. His act of generosity spurred others on to perform similar good works.

* Greek: Christianoi: “devotees of the Anointed One.


The Apostle Paul's other companions: 

Luke

Timothy

Titus

Clement

♦


Excerpt of content first published at Paul and Friends | HubPages



on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Compelling Questions: HOW or WHY Should Atheism Be Taught?

The Atlantic is a well-known, well-read, and respected American magazine. It was founded in 1857 and for over a century and a half has published articles on a varied range of topics, including politics, religion, culture, and life. "Created as a literary and cultural commentary magazine, it has a reputation in the 21st century for a politically moderate viewpoint in its reporting." (The AtlanticMonthly. EncyclopΓ¦diaBritannica.) 

This introductory paragraph was written to supply the stage setting and background for the publication wherein a detailed, lengthy article appeared, which asks an interesting question:  How Should Atheism Be Taught?

U of M

This article was published in "The Atlantic", and that means ignore the words at your own peril.  Here are the main points:

  1. First Academic Chair for Atheism: The University of Miami received a $2.2 million gift to endow the first-ever faculty chair specifically for the study of atheism and secularism in the U.S., funded by atheist philanthropist Louis J. Appignani. 

  2. Appignani’s Goals: Appignani hopes the chair will help “legitimize” atheism in public and academic life and reduce stigma against atheists in society. He views atheists as a minority that still faces bias. 

  3. Definition and Debate: There is debate over what “atheism” actually means and whether the term should be central to the position. Part of the agreement defines atheism as an approach that emphasizes science, logic, and reason, while rejecting appeals to supernatural entities. This raises questions about whether atheism is best studied as an academic subject or primarily as a rejection of theism. 

  4. Academic vs. Advocacy Concerns: While Appignani’s intent includes advocacy for nonbelief, the university stresses that the chair should remain academically neutral—not intended to convert students, but to study nonbelief, secular ethics, and related questions. 

  5. Broader Context: The creation of the chair highlights the complexity of atheism in America—how definitions vary, how nonbelievers are perceived, and how atheism intersects with broader cultural and intellectual trends.

  6. Teaching Atheism in Education: The chair will offer courses exploring topics such as secular ethics, philosophy of science, and the historical and cultural role of atheism—not to promote unbelief, but to foster understanding of nonbelief and its implications.

Read article:  Fattal, Isabel. “How Should Atheism Be Taught?” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 31 Jan 2018.

♦

I find the question intriguing. Do you?

My question would have been: WHY Should Atheism Be Taught?

I also found this article disappointing on a number of levels. The arguments presented did not inspire a call to action or demand for change, or offer any suggestions to make the world a better place. It sounded a tad-bit whiny.

Obviously, this is my smug, self-righteous opinion. (LOL. πŸ˜„) Someone else might read the same material, grab a picket sign, and head straight to the steps of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.

♦

LouisJ. Appignani is a wealthy octogenarian living in Florida, who told the article writer, Isabel Fattal, the story of his conversion to atheism. By his definition or understanding, atheists are people who are secularists, critical thinkers with *humanistic values* who believe in *rational scientific reasoning* and none of that hog-washed faith mumbo jumbo that is *the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen*.

Here is an argument presented / statement by him to prove that atheists are ostracized in America.

  • "If [someone said] ‘I’m an atheist, and I’m running for Congress,’ they wouldn’t get elected today."

Appignani indicated that as of 2016, about half the American citizenry said that if a political candidate indicated that he or she was an atheist, they would likely not vote for them to serve in a political office.

πŸ‘‰Hmmm? Well! I guess that's proof of being ostracized.

♦

Appignani seems to think people just don't understand atheists or atheism, and his remedy or solution to this problem is to "legitimize the word ‘atheism’" in the public sphere. Because people are confused about the definition, and if you're going to level the playing field, the first thing you need to do is establish the foundation you intend to build on and get everybody UNconfused. HOW? (Hence the title of the article: *How Should Atheism Be Taught?*)

  • This is HOW. In 2016, Appignani gave a $2.2 million gift to an institution of higher learning, which marked a first time in American history that a faculty position has been endowed specifically for the study of atheism.

πŸ‘Hmmm? Well! That should stop the ostracism.

♦

You don't have to be American to answer.

If your country held elections and one of the candidates declared that he or she was an atheist, would you vote for them?

Think on it.  

Or not.


on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Race Reconciliation: A Christian Perspective

When addressing the topic of “race reconciliation” we have to go back to Genesis. When God created Adam and made Eve from Adam's rib, God made of all men one flesh – it is our physical reality that Eve is the mother of us all and spiritual reality that God is the Father of us all.

If disciples follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, they will understand that Jesus has made of all men ONE. He taught us how to find our way through our own man-made confusion and return to the way it was “from the beginning”.

Somewhere along the timeline of humanity as mankind moved away from God … because at one time ALL MEN KNEW the One True God ... mankind began to divide themselves into something called 'race'.

Now people say that “race reconciliation” is needed. (DUH???)

But Jesus solved this PROBLEM THAT WE CREATED FOR OURSELVES by teaching us that WE ARE ALL ONE.

The only time the Bible describes a person's “color” is if it is a description of the person's physical traits. NOT THEIR RACE!!

The Bible refers to mankind BY NATIONS. Why? Because when God confused the languages of man, it eventually led to the establishment of various nations.

You know … He is God. Why didn't He separate mankind by skin color?

“Racism” is a SIN. It was born out of a CORRUPT THOUGHT, a man's desire to have power and control over his fellow man … the CONQUERED and the CONQUEROR ... and carried out by those who choose EVIL instead of OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

Instead accepting the FACT … the TRUTH … that God only created male and female, that Eve is the mother of all living, and that through the sons of the Noah, the NATIONS of the earth were overspread … instead, they made up “races” for the one human race. People began to have confidence in their flesh which is being carnal-minded. Christians are not in the flesh. We in the Spirit.

Mankind moved away from God and now we have a “problem” (?), a “social issue” or a “matter” (?) … we have a SIN we are wrestling with called RACISM.

Jesus came to RECONCILE MAN TO GOD and He accomplished His mission.

Standing on the Word of God, I boldly declare that Jesus already accomplished “race reconciliation”. If we want to get technical, during the time Jesus walked the earth, the “racial division” or “racial strife” which required “race reconciliation” was the separation between Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles. The DIVISION that required RECONCILIATION resulted from the differences in their BELIEF IN THE ONE TRUE GOD. NOT THEIR SKIN COLOR!!!

Jesus came to reconcile ALL MEN TO THE ONE TRUE GOD. That's the only “reconciliation” that matters. The reconciliation of the human race to their Creator.


on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Friday, September 9, 2022

With Politics You Can Compromise, With Religion There is No Compromise

My friend, Barbara Radisavljevic, publishes many thought-provoking articles on Medium.com and her article "The Blind, the Elephant, and the Truth" provoked these thoughts. I approached the matter from my understanding as a believer in Jesus Christ.

Source
on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , ,

Monday, September 5, 2022

And God Said to the Woman "Thou Shalt Not Be Equal" : Did God Really Say That?

I have been a HubPages Contributor for almost 10 years. When I arrived at HP, Scott Belford aka myesoteric was already there publishing extremely interesting articles that generated a lot of discussion from members and external visitors. The title of this particular HUB (link below) caught my eye and I was drawn into the discussion. Below are some of the comments I left behind. 

 When I first joined HubPages my user name was "mib56789". That account was deleted and a new account was created under a different user name, "cmoneyspinner1tf". These comments, under my old user name, are 8 years old. I thought when my account was deleted, all related activity vanished. So I was very surprised to see that my comments were still there. Sharing a link to this HUB as you may want to contribute your thoughts. HUBPages is a platform that accepts comments from both internal and external visitors.





MY COMMENTS:

 FIRST: Your HUB title is not contentious. As a HUB writer I know that most often if the title doesn’t grab the reader’s attention they probably won’t read the HUB.

SECOND: By “the Bible”, I assume you mean Old and New Testament scriptures. When something is based on something that means the “basis” is the foundation. Islam is not based on the Bible. Islam is based on the Koran. The Jewish faith is based on the Old Testament (one part of the Bible) and Christianity is based on THE BIBLE (Old and New Testaments).

THIRD: Inequality is not scriptural, i.e. non-biblical, not based on the Bible. Male/female. Black/White. Jew/Gentile. Slave/Free. God has no respect of persons. Everybody gets treated equally. The laws of God were never set up to institutionalize and systematize inequality. Just because humans have chosen to arrange institutions and systems and misapply scriptures to accommodate these inequalities doesn’t mean it was God’s idea.

RE: The fall of humanity wasn’t blamed on Eve. (It’s in the Bible.)

RE: Monotheism has evolving backwards?

God never withheld Himself, His love or His wisdom; because at one time WE (mankind) ALL KNEW THE ONE TRUE GOD. We turned away from God. If you want to call that “evolving backward”? OK.

Yet and still, He’s the same God TODAY that spoke to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God didn’t screw up the world we live in. We did it to ourselves. God has provided a way for us to redeem ourselves. We can accept the offer of salvation or reject it.

There’s scripture for everything I say. I’m not making any of this stuff up. It all comes from God’s word: THE BIBLE. The same Book that you say God made the woman unequal.

on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Historical Places : Sea of Galilee

Almost everybody has heard of the Sea of Galilee; especially Christians. It would be no surprise if most people who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ have this place on their list of dream travel destinations.  Some of the apostles were fishermen by occupation and they made their living by fishing in the Sea of Galilee. 

But would you believe it? In 2010, fishing was banned in the Sea of Galilee. The Israeli government stated that chronic over-fishing had severely depleted stocks. The ban was to be in effect for 2 years. 

In 2013, they dumped several thousand fish into the lake. The type of fish were tilapia and silver carp which were expected to increase the lake’s biodiversity and clear its waters of toxins. In 2020 it was reported that the lake (sea) had dried up because of a drought; and then it swelled up because the drought was followed by wet winters. Per a report dated April 15, 2022, Israel was going to give the Sea of Galilee an “extreme makeover” by filling the lake with excess output from desalination plants.

Image credit: Fishing in the Sea of Galilee | Israel Inside Out 

It's a technicality but the Sea of Galilee is not really a sea. It's a lake; a freshwater lake. Israel's largest freshwater lake to be precise.  It is also known by the following alternate names:

• Lake Tiberias
• Sea of Tiberias
• Lake of Gennesaret
• Lake Kinneret
• The Kinneret

FUN FACT: In ancient times. there were three (3) types of fish mainly caught by fishermen: sardines; barbels; and musht or tilapia (the 'Galilean tilapia' is known today as “St. Peter’s Fish”).

It's 2022. Fishing is being allowed in the Sea of Galilee. The original St. Peter’s fish in the Sea of Galilee cannot be found anymore. However, there are 18 species of fish indigenous in the Sea, which includes tilapia, sardine, and catfish.







on No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Sponsors